Father Mac and Father Clancy to remain in Willacy

Letter to the Editor:

Thank you for the article about the Priests of the Sacred Heart not being able to continue the Administration of the Parishes in Raymondville, Lasara, Hargill, and San Perlita. It just is not possible for one priest to do it and we must be fair with the Diocese of Brownsville letting them know that we do not have any more priests available. But it is important for a complete understanding of all of these changes to also let everyone know that Father Clancy and I will continue to live in Willacy County with the kind permission of Bishop Flores and our Provincial Superior. You were accurate to say that our futures are uncertain. Come to think of it, so is yours and everybody elses. That is a good thing for all of us; otherwise we would place more confidence in ourselves rather than the good God who cares for us.

When I came to Willacy County in 1975, I promised the good people in Lasara that I would stay for 99 years and leave after that if I was not happy here. These have been wonderful years for me and I will stay as long as permitted. When a new Pastor is appointed by Bishop Flores in February of 2011, we will all welcome him I am sure. He will quickly learn that the Faith of the people is strong. The people taught me a lot over the years and I received much more than I gave. The new Pastor will know from the beginning that I will help him in any way that is possible knowing that new leadership can take us to even better places in our Church. I will keep you informed over these next eight or nine months as the transition takes place. Father Richard MacDonald, SCJ